I N T E G R A T I V E + F U N C T I O N A L N U T R I T I O N

​DIFMThe Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) philosophy centers around a holistic, “Food as Medicine” approach to wellness, and is based firmly in the Integrative Medicine model. Whole-food therapies, targeted supplements, and mind-body modalities form the basis of “Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy” (IFMNT). Integrative Nutrition RDNs apply this model to the nutrition care process in clinical practice and are also instrumental in reshaping healthcare.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINEIntegrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINEFunctional Medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. Hallmarks of a functional medicine approach include:

Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care promoting health as a positive vitality; beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.

An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.

Integrating best medical practices. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONFunctional nutrition is the advanced practice of personalized nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring with the goal of promoting optimal health and preventing diet-and-lifestyle-related disease, using the concepts of functional and integrative medicine.

PRACTICE-BASED EVIDENCEPractice-based evidence promotes the value of the knowledge and evidence gained from the practitioner’s clinical experiences and observations.

The IFMNT Radial was established as an integrated conceptual framework to assist in IFMNT practice. The circular architecture of the IFMNT Radial allows for the evaluation of complex interactions and interrelationships. The Radial depicts that food is a determining factor in health and disease and is a source of biological information that influences, and is influenced by, the five key areas.

The five key areas are: lifestyle, systems (signs and symptoms), core imbalances, metabolic pathways, and biomarkers. Surrounding the Radial are precipitating factors that can affect the individual. ​

​The above information is sourced from the DIFM website: https://integrativerd.org/what-is-difm/​

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